History of Christmas Eve in Timeline
Christmas Eve is the day or evening preceding Christmas Day, the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Observed globally, Christmas Eve is often a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Both days hold immense cultural significance within Christendom and Western society, representing a pivotal period in the Christian calendar and Western traditions.
December 1914: Christmas Truce of World War I
On December 24, 1914, during World War I, an unofficial Christmas truce occurred between British and German troops. Soldiers exchanged greetings, gifts, and held joint burial services. The truce continued into 1915 despite disapproval from higher command.
1946: "Chinese and a Movie" Tradition Emerges
Around 1946, a new Christmas Eve tradition emerged, often involving dinner at a Chinese restaurant and watching a movie, sometimes the 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life."
December 1968: Apollo 8 Genesis Reading
On December 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the Book of Genesis while orbiting the Moon, in what was the most-watched television broadcast at the time.
1969: Commemorative Apollo 8 Stamp
In 1969, the US Postal Service released a stamp featuring the Earthrise photograph taken by Apollo 8 on Christmas Eve 1968 and the words "In the beginning God...".
2009: Midnight Mass at the Vatican
In 2009, the Vatican scheduled the Midnight Mass to begin at 10 p.m. to accommodate the 82-year-old Pope Benedict XVI.
Mentioned in this timeline
It's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank Capra tells the...
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated on December th commemorating...
Books are a means of storing information as text or...
War is defined as an armed conflict involving the organized...
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the head...
Cuba is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea...
Trending
1 month ago James Gunn Plans Superman Sequel Shooting Soon; Teases 'Peacemaker' Role in DCU.
1 month ago Motorcycle crash in Beloit on Cranston Road: Police investigate single-vehicle incident.
1 month ago Zion: Influencers' Storm, Hidden Trail & East Mesa Hike, Views and Fewer Crowds
1 month ago Qatar Airways and Accenture partner for AI-driven aviation excellence, creating 'AI Skyways'.
1 month ago Ketel Marte's Absence and Day Off Requests Cause Frustration Among Diamondbacks Teammates
1 month ago Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates 'Freakier Friday' with Fan Event and Lookalike Screening
Popular
Paracetamol also known as acetaminophen is a commonly used over-the-counter...
Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative activist author and...
Turning Point USA TPUSA is a conservative nonprofit organization founded...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
Kash Patel is an American lawyer and former federal prosecutor...
Greg Gutfeld is an American television personality known for his...